Too cool to *not* share here: Onboard video from an IMSA GTO Toyota Celica

I shared this over on Classic in the comments of an IMSA GTO Toyota Celica for sale, and realized the video is too cool to not share on GRM, too.

Onboard video from Willy T. Ribbs' Celica at the 1987 race at Del Mar:

H-pattern and an analog tach for the win. 

And not just H-pattern but apparently a synchro box as well. He's clutching for every shift (and there's a LOT of shifts). 

Also really interesting to watch how he's using the motor. In traffic he's running each gear out a lot further, but when he has clear track he's shifting a bit shorter and getting on the throttle way earlier to build boost. I'm guessing that little motor has tons of torque even a modest rpm, but it needs some serious boost to produce it, and the boost doesn't exactly come quickly. So when he's got some room to let the car do what it's gonna do when the boost hits he shifts early and just pins it.

And that's just an extremely impressive drive. He didn't really get a serious challenge from anyone. There wasn't a single car that held him up for more than a few corners. 

It still amazes me to watch old race footage like this and see pit crews in their shirt sleeves.

In reply to Colin Wood :

Mesh-back, foam-front hats for the win. 

David S. Wallens said:

In reply to Colin Wood :

Mesh-back, foam-front hats for the win. 

And don't forget the safety squints.